Role of vasopressin in the treatment of anaphylactic shock in a child undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease: a case report
2008

Using Vasopressin for Anaphylactic Shock in Children

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Di Chiara Luca, Stazi Giulia V, Ricci Zaccaria, Polito Angelo, Morelli Stefano, Giorni Chiara, La Salvia Ondina, Vitale Vincenzo, Rossi Eugenio, Picardo Sergio

Primary Institution: Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Bambino Gesù Hospital, Rome, Italy

Hypothesis

Can low-dose vasopressin effectively treat anaphylactic shock in pediatric patients who do not respond to epinephrine?

Conclusion

Low-dose vasopressin infusion can restore hemodynamic stability in children experiencing anaphylactic shock when epinephrine is ineffective.

Supporting Evidence

  • Anaphylactic reactions during anesthesia occur in 1:5000 to 1:25000 cases.
  • Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic reactions.
  • The patient experienced severe hypotension and hemodynamic instability after heparin administration.
  • Vasopressin was effective in restoring hemodynamic stability after epinephrine failed.

Takeaway

If a child has a severe allergic reaction during surgery and regular medicine doesn't work, a special medicine called vasopressin can help make them better.

Methodology

The case involved a 6-year-old boy who received low-dose vasopressin after failing to respond to epinephrine during anaphylactic shock.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

6-year-old male, 18 kg, with a history of asthma.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-2-36

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